The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-03-02

To obtain seats. A song service was con-
Quoted by Prof. Excel, who was assisted by
a choir comprising some of the best vocalists
of our town and SOME from abroad. The
Prof. favored the audience with two solos,
one beautiful temperance song, and the
other entitled "rhe Tempest" He also
called upon Rev. l.. Ii. Fish, who sang solo
with good effect and in "A very pleasing man
ner. The hymn, "Rock of Ages" as arranged
| by Mr.. Excel and rendered by the choir,
was much admired. Books were also distrib-
uted throughout the audience, which Joined
in many of the hymns, thus adding to the
enjoyment of the service of song.
The latter part of the evening was spent
in platform meeting consisting of short
| addresses by members of the convention.
Among those who took part were Rev. Mr..
Jeffries of Covert, ID. b. Allen of Three Oaks,
Harry Rogers of Grand Junction, and others,
all of whom gave encouraging reports of
success in their different fields of labor, and
advanced ideas which should furnish food
for reflection to every earnest Sunday school
worker. The meeting was dismissed with
| the Doxology, sung 10y the whole congrega
ton, followed by a benediction.
On Friday morning, the first thing in
Gordon of Decatur, in which lively interest
was manifested. The reports of the secre-
tary, l.. q. Stewart, and the treasurer, A. s.
Packard, were read and approved.
The delegates from different schools then
made their reports, giving name OF school,
number of members enrolled, number of
officers and teachers, average attendance,
average and total collections, number of con-
versions during the year and other facts of
interest. There are sixty-one schools in
the county, and of these about forty reported
To the convention, their reports being filed
with the secretary.
Two papers. what is Successful Teach
ing?" and "How to Keep the Young People
IN the Sunday School," were next on the
programme but neither of the parties who
were to read them being present, 1T was sug-
gested that discussion of the latter question
be taken up without first listening to an adj
dress ON the subject. This was done, the
discussion being carried on in a very spirited
manner, and large number of members
beers participating therein. Many sensible
plans were suggested. 1t was especially
recommended that parents be regular attend
ants at the Sunday school themselves, and
the necessity of having we'll qualified teach
ers was also emphasized.
Invitations were extended by Gobleville and
South Haven for the next annual session of
the association and, after taking an express
sion of those present, which was decidedly
in favor of meeting at South Haven, the
matter was referred to the executive commit.
tee for future decision.
committee on nominations was appoint
ed by the president to report at the after
noon session. Il. A. Rood of Covert, was
chairman of this committee.
Twelve o'clock having arrived, an adjourn
ment was had until half past one, at which
time tho meeting was promptly opened by
devotional exercises, interspersed with music.
Hon. Geo. M. Buck of Kalamazoo, then gave
o short but rich address on "School Manage
ment," which was followed by discussion.
Under this head, much was said upon the
subject of using "lesson helps in the Sun
day school, there being a wide diversity of
opinion in this regard. Some favored using
them in class, some would discard them
entirely, while perhaps the majority favored
using them at home, but using the Bible only
in the class. Many plausible arguments
were advanced in support OF all these posi-
tons.
The committee on nominations made a
report, which was accepted and adopted and
the committee discharged. Harry Rogers of
Grand Junction, was chosen president for
the ensuing year, l.. q. Stewart secretary
and Mr. Griffin of South Haven, treasurer.
A vice-president from each township, was
also appointed.
The lesson for February 9th was taught
by ID. B. Allen of Three Oaks, in very
thorough, creditable and interesting manner,
considering the brief time allotted 10 its
exposition.
During the afternoon, Prof. Excel sang
his popular song, You Better Quit your
Meanness," which was suggested by favor
tie saying of Sam Jones, with whom Mr..
Excel has been associated i'll revival work.
It was announced that, as the speaker of
the evening and others were obliged 30 leave
on the train at $3.50, the evening session
would commence at n quarter before seven,
and long before this hour, the church was
crowded to its fullest capacity. song SER
vice occupied the first part of the evening,
in which both choir and congregation partlc-
ipated.
An address was then given by Judge Buck,
on the subject "Ihe Bible tho Foundation of
all valuable Learning-of all genuine Gull
ture." This was listened to with the most
respectful attention, and was full of grand
ideas and was delivered III a most entertain
ing style. No one could help being greatly
benefited by listening to this mastery effort
by request, MIR. Excel sang solo, keep
in the Middle of the Road which was
enthusiastically received by the audience.
A few remarks were made closing the bus
mess of the convention, and a collection was
taken for the benefit of the county work.
a vote of thanks was extended to the
retiring officers, to the pastor and officers of
the Christian church, and to the citizens Of
Paw Paw for their hospitality in entertain
ing delegates.
solo and chorus was then rendered by
Prof. Excel and the congregation, "rhe Road
TO Heaven" and the convention was dis
missed.
All who attended unite with one accord in
saying that the meeting was a grand one,
and that it ought to inspire Sunday school
workers to new earnestness and activity.
The interest and attendance of this institu-
ton is increasing from year to year. and 1t Is
accomplishing IA great work for God and
humanity.
The following statement, made by the out